RIT/NTID alum promotes accessibility and inclusivity through visual storytelling

Remy Glock (graphic design, ’11) has more than 14 years of experience in the design and advertising industry. She is known for her creative work that promotes accessibility and inclusivity through visual storytelling in American Sign Language. 
 
A native of Reno, Nevada, Glock discovered her interest in typography and visual communication through her first job at Trader Joe’s as a sign artist. When she transferred to RIT from the University of Nevada at Reno, she chose to major in graphic design, which focuses on developing expertise in typography, design, branding, and motion graphics for creative roles in the design and advertising industry. 
 
As an RIT student, she not only excelled in art and design, but also in athletics, where she competed on the RIT women’s cross-country team. Glock also participated in a study abroad program in Florence, Italy, where she studied art history and photography while building friendships with classmates, developing connections with ASL interpreters, and expanding her networks internationally. 
 
After graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in graphic design, she pursued her design career at major advertising agencies, including Edelman, DuPuis, and Leo Burnett. Eventually, she joined Ogilvy as a design director specializing in building brand identities and creating design-driven solutions for clients. 
 
Recently, Glock won a community design contest for the running apparel brand Run in Rabbit, designing the “Run Your Own Path” singlet with a message in ASL, “Keep Going.” 

Please share your experience participating in Run in Rabbit. 

Participating in the rabbit singlet design contest was a rare chance to bridge my creative work with my community in Reno, Nevada. As a member of the Mikkeller Running Club, I’ve learned that running is about showing up for others regardless of pace, an ethos that became the heartbeat of my design.

When I pitched my concept, I never imagined it would be selected among seven designs from thousands of entries worldwide. After being chosen as a finalist, the second phase of the contest involved public voting over three weeks, and I was incredibly grateful to receive the most votes. The entire experience felt like an opportunity to continue creating work I’m deeply passionate about while amplifying a message that matters to me.

Born profoundly deaf, I’ve discovered strength not only in persistence but also in the running community that lifts and carries me forward. My design features “Keep Going” in American Sign Language — a message of resilience, connection, and the unspoken camaraderie that unites runners everywhere. Running isn’t just about miles; it’s a journey of overcoming adversity and building connections along the way. My goal was to share how representation, movement, creativity and community empower us to keep moving forward.

Why did you want to become a designer? 

My passion for design stems from a lifelong connection between structure and creativity. Early experiences with visual order and speech therapy reinforced my appreciation for patterns and systems, while art became an essential outlet for self-expression. Graphic design appealed to me as it combined artistic skills with real-world application. Working as a sign artist at Trader Joe’s deepened my love for typography and visual communication, solidifying my graphic design ambitions. Transferring to RIT strengthened my commitment to turning this passion into a career. Ultimately, I value design for its versatility, meaningful impact, and power to create authentic, inclusive communication across industries.

How did your education at RIT help prepare you for a career in the design and advertising industry? 

My education at RIT was transformative, both personally and professionally. The switch from semesters to quarters allowed me to focus deeply on my major, and the rigorous, hands-on curriculum prepared me with the technical and conceptual skills I needed for a fast-paced career in design and advertising. RIT’s support system for deaf and hard-of-hearing students was a gamechanger. I didn’t have to spend my energy advocating for accommodations—I could fully focus on learning, collaborating, and honing my craft.

RIT also provided a strong sense of community and visibility I hadn’t felt before. Meeting other students facing similar challenges helped me recognize my identity as a deaf designer, making it feel seen rather than ignored. That feeling of belonging, paired with opportunities like joining the Division III cross-country team, enriched my experience far beyond academics. Leaving Nevada and stepping into a new state felt like a once-in-a-lifetime leap, one that broadened my perspective, exposed me to diverse ways of thinking and reinforced my independence.

In the end, RIT didn’t just give me the skills and knowledge needed for the design and advertising fields, it gave me the confidence to face challenges, seize opportunities and pursue my career with resilience.

You are now a design director at Ogilvy. Tell us about your role there. 

I joined Ogilvy as an associate design director and have since advanced to design director, celebrating a decade with the company this summer. Leading remotely from Nevada post-Covid, I specialize in building brand identities and creating design-driven solutions that help our clients grow. My work spans everything from digital and video to editorial and illustration, but my primary focus is always the same — bringing ideas to life in ways that truly resonate with audiences. Above all, I am passionate about fostering a culture of growth and creativity within my team.

What is the rewarding part of your job as a design director? 

The most rewarding part of my job as a design director is seeing ideas evolve from concept to impact while supporting and mentoring the talented designers on my team. I love helping others grow creatively and professionally, guiding them to push boundaries while maintaining strategic focus. There’s a special satisfaction in collaborating across disciplines—creatives, strategy, and accounts—to deliver work that not only looks compelling, but drives meaningful results for our clients. Ultimately, it’s the combination of creative problem-solving, team growth, and seeing the tangible influence of our work in the world that makes this role so fulfilling.

What is your favorite memory from your time as an RIT student? 

Some of my best memories from RIT include studying art history and photography abroad in Florence, Italy, alongside my classmate Kelsey. Experiencing travel with another deaf friend made it especially meaningful and having ASL interpreters provided by RIT let us participate fully in lectures, field trips, and architectural tours. I felt empowered to learn without missing any details, which put me at ease and gave me a rare sense of connection.

Another memorable experience was joining the women's cross-country team. Training and racing together fostered discipline, camaraderie, and long-lasting friendships. These experiences taught me perseverance—something I continue to value in my personal and professional life.

What advice do you have for current and prospective students who might be interested in pursuing a career in the design and advertising industry? 

Keep your curiosity alive and take the initiative. Whenever possible, say yes to internships and hands-on experiences, even if they don’t offer much pay, since the skills you gain and people you meet can really make a difference. Take advantage of online tools to keep building your knowledge, share your work with others and welcome feedback, as it’s an excellent way to grow.

Focus on making connections, working with peers and finding mentors who can support your growth. Staying humble, putting in the effort and being open to new ideas will help opportunities come your way. The journey might have its obstacles, but with dedication and enthusiasm, you can create a rewarding career in design and advertising.

Lastly, can you share some fun facts about yourself? 

At 18, I ran a full marathon, and at 19, I learned American Sign Language. I also enjoy painting murals in my free time. While working in Chicago, I had the chance to meet Robin Williams and that first internship turned into a fulltime position. I firmly believe it’s never too late to pick up new hobbies. Exploring Tahoe through mountain biking, back country skiing, and backpacking with my partner brings me a lot of joy.